After impact of immigration operations In Charlotte, nine Latino organizations decided to form an alliance, with the purpose of supporting and assisting the immigrant community in times of crisis in order to improve access to important information and share essential resources.
The launch of the Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte (LJAC) or Latine Justice and Advocacy Coalition took place on Thursday, February 19, at a press conference with representatives of the organizations at the headquarters of the Latin American Coalition.
“The Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte was created to ensure that families have trusted organizations to turn to, clear information they can rely on, and a united network working to protect their rights and safety,” said Larisa Garzón, director of operations in North Carolina and the Mid-South for the Hispanic Federation, during the press conference.
Garzón emphasized that LJAC, as his organization, strongly condemns the actions of ICE and the Border Patrol (CBP), which have deeply harmed the immigrant community.
“Whether application activity increases or decreases, our commitment remains the same,” Garzón stated.
You can't work in isolation
José Hernández París, executive director of the Latin American Coalition (LAC) emphasized that “when working in isolation the impact is limited.”
“No single organization can meet all the needs of our community, nor bear the responsibility for its complete representation,” Hernández París noted.
The director said that by working together on behalf of immigrants, they strengthen their ability to identify community needs, coordinate solutions, and ensure they are present in the conversations that will determine Charlotte's future.
“This alliance is not just a network; it’s a commitment to long-term coordination, leadership development, and building the collective power necessary to achieve lasting systemic change. Today we take an important step forward, not only as organizations, but for every Latino family that calls this city home,” he said.
Related: How immigration raids traumatize children and undermine the childcare system
A project that had already begun in 2025
According to Garzón, this alliance has already become involved in advocating for issues that have affected the immigrant community.
“Last year we met with members of the School Board to request improved access to information and protection for immigrants“For immigrant students and their families, this year we will scale up by continuing our work with board members to achieve systemic change,” the director emphasized.
It is not a symbolic alliance, but a strategic one.
The new coalition of organizations will continue to monitor ICE and eventually CBP activity, share timely information, and provide legal support, essential resources, guidance on mental health and comprehensive services to families affected by immigration operations.
“This alliance is not symbolic but strategic; it is necessary and timely. It is about unity, action, and building lasting power so that every Latino family in Charlotte can live, work, and prosper with dignity and opportunity,” noted Mayre Reyes, community organizer for Poder Latinx.
The participating organizations are: Action NC, Carolina Migrant Network, Circle of Light, Wake up, Hispanic Federation, Latin American Coalition, NC Congress of Latino Organizations, ourBRIDGE for KIDS, Latinx Power.
LJAC has a list of priorities for 2026 divided into two major demands that encompass:
- Demands on local and county governments to take action to support and protect immigrant families from the cruel enforcement of immigration law. immigration law within their jurisdictions.
- Demand that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) adopt and implement comprehensive measures to protect immigrant students and families.
You can see details of these priorities in the attached document (in English):
The Latin Justice and Advocacy Coalition now has a website in hispanicfederation.org where you can access a calendar of activities and enter the website of each participating organization.
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
